Health Corner

Fish oil and breast cancer

The results of a recent study published in a July 2010 issue of the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal found that fish oil supplements may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 32%. The study did not look at vitamin or mineral supplements, but only those considered ‘specialty’ supplements commonly taken for menopausal symptoms. The study of 35,016 postmenopausal women with no history of breast cancer showed a reduction in invasive ductal breast cancer which is the most common type of the disease. Results were produced when subjects took fish oil supplements that contained even higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA than what are normally consumed in an omega-3 rich diet alone.

Adapted from Vitality Magazine, published September 2010